2008 Cadillac STS Review

The 2008 Cadillac STS is available in two primary models, V6 or V8, designated by their type of engine. The V6 model gets an all-new direct-injected 3.6L DOHC V6, making 302 horsepower-nearly 50 more horsepower than last year-and 272 lb-ft of torque. In addition to the power increase, the engine also runs cleaner than the one it replaces, with a 25-percent reduction in cold-start hydrocarbons; the direct injection system also allows the increase in power without a drop in fuel efficiency. The V8 model is powered by a 320-horsepower, 4.6L "Northstar" V8 engine. A six-speed automatic transmission is now offered through the model range; its steep first-gear ratio enables especially strong off-the-line performance.

Both models can be specified with an all-wheel drive system for improved all-weather stability and traction, but there's also a sophisticated StabiliTrak electronic stability control system that helps restore stability. In all-wheel-drive V8 models, StabiliTrak has a special front-wheel steer feature in which the system will use a steering motor to turn the front wheels into a skid when the rear wheels lose traction in order to more quickly restore control.

Inside, the steering wheel can now be trimmed in Sapele Pommele, an exotic wood used for furniture and musical instruments.

The STS offers several leading-technology options. Most notably, a Lane Departure Warning system, which monitors lane marking and warns the driver when the vehicle drifts out of its lane, and a Side Blind Zone Alert System, which uses radar beams to scan the lanes adjacent (about 11 feet on both sides and about 16 feet rearward) and flashes an indicator light when the space is occupied. Another standout feature is the Intellibeam automatic high-beam system available on the V8, which automatically switches between high and low beam based on the distance of oncoming traffic.

The top-option "infotainment" system on the STS has 15 Bose speakers, a six-disc, MP3-compatible CD/DVD changer, an eight-inch screen, and an advanced navigation system, plus Bluetooth hands-free capability and voice recognition.

The STS Platinum model, new for 2008, has a very distinctive look and feel, with 18-inch chrome wheels, a brighter grille, and an exclusive Glacier Gold finish outside, plus a hand-cut, sewn, and wrapped instrument panel and door trim, Tuscany leather seats, olive ash burl wood and chrome accents, plus a heated leather-wrapped steering wheel.

At the top of the range stands the limited-edition STS-V, a super high-performance version of the STS, bringing a 469-horsepower, 4.4L supercharged version of the Northstar V8, huge Brembo brakes, larger wheels and tires, and larger front and rear stabilizer bars. The STS-V's engine is hand-built by a single craftsman from start to finish. Inside it also gets leather-wrapped surfaces throughout plus olive ash burl wood trim and aluminum accents. According to GM, the STS-V can accelerate to 60 mph in less than six seconds.
For 2008, the Cadillac STS gets a much more powerful standard engine-a 302-horsepower, direct-injected V6-and a new six-speed automatic transmission standard across the model line. And making its debut for 2008 is a new STS Platinum Edition, which adds distinctive materials inside, with Tuscany leather and special chrome and wood accents.

Two advanced-technology options, Lane Departure Warning Alert and Side Blind Zone Alert, help increase driver awareness and safety, and a head-up display and high-intensity discharge (HID) headlamps are now available on V6 models. Separately, the available Intellibeam headlamps switch between high and low beam as oncoming vehicles approach and pass. There's also a new Performance Handling Package, which adds an upgraded braking system, 18-inch alloy chrome-plated wheels, and summer performance tires, plus an active front steering feature on V8 AWD models. Flashy new polished aluminum 14-spoke, 18-inch wheels are also newly available.

Otherwise there are a number of cosmetic changes, including new side marker lamps, a new grille and lower front fascia and intake, a new body-colored rear fascia, and polished aluminum exhaust tips. see less